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ON    THE 


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CENTRAL  HIGH  SCHOOL, 


ADOPTED    BY    THE 


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JANUARY  2,   1862,' 


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PHILADELPHIA: 

M'LAUGHLIN  BKOTHERS.  BOOK  AND  JOB  PRINTERS,  112  SOUTH  THIRD  STREET. 

1862. 


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REPORT 


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ADOPTED    BY   THE 


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JANUARY  2,  1862. 


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PHILADELPHIA: 

M'LAUGHLIN  BROTHERS,  BOOK  AND  JOB  PRINTERS,  112  SOUTH  THIRD  STREET, 

1862. 


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The  Committee  on  the  Central  High  School  heg  leave  respect- 
fully to  report : 

For  a  number  of  years  there  has  been  a  growing  doubt  in 
the  community  as  to  the  benefits  derived  from  this  institution. 
Its  real  value  has  always  been  recognized,  but  charges  of  in- 
efficiency of  instructors,  and  superficiality  in  the  course  of 
study,  have  been  made  again  and  again.  Former  committees, 
in  view  of  the  condition  of  popular  sentiment,  investigated  the 
causes  of  dissatisfaction,  and,  in  the  year  1859,  one  of  the 
Professors  was  requested  to  resign.  On  his  compliance  with 
this  request  the  committee  ordered  an  examination,  and  re- 
ported the  result  to  the  Board,  and  the  vacancy  was  filled  on 
the  recommendation  of  the  committee. 

A  subsequent  committee,  to  which  was  referred  a  radical 
change  in  the  mode  of  averaging  the  scholarship,  adopted  it 
without  hesitation.  The  order  of  exercises  was  judged  im- 
perfect. It  was  found  that  branches  incongruous  were  taught 
by  the  same  Professor :  for  instance,  the  Assistant  Teacher  of 
Latin  was  required  to  give  instruction  in  Book-keeping ;  the 
Professor  of  Civil  Engineering  taught  Phonography  ;  the  Ma- 
thematical Department  employed  the  services  of  three  Pro- 
fessors, each  teaching  different  branches  of  this  science, 
without  any  connection.     A  change  was  necessary,  and  the 


R02 


preparation  for  the  higher  Mathematics,  by  familiarity  with 
the  basis,  was  accomplished  by  a  systematic  arrangement  of 
all  the  branches.  Instruction  in  Chemistry  and  Natural  Phi- 
losophy was  found  limited  to  three  sessions,  (a  term  of 
eighteen  months,)  and  given  to  divisions  JF,  E,  and  D, — 
whilst  the  students  in  the  higher  classes.  A,  B,  and  C,  whose 
more  matured  intellects  were  presumed  to  be  better  suited  to 
these  studies,  were  deprived  of  them.  The  Classical  Depart- 
ment, in  which  a  Professor  and  an  Assistant  were  employed, 
was  confined  to  the  three  lowest  divisions,  H,  Gr,  and  F ;  and 
thus  the  higher  divisions  were  denied  the  mental  discipline, 
and  the  knowledge  of  one  of  the  sources  of  our  language  con- 
sequent  upon  familiarity  with  the  Latin.  These  errors  were 
corrected  :  the  Roster  was  chano;ed,  and  the  higher  divisions 
were  instructed  in  the  branches  stated.  Civil  Engineering 
was  transferred  to  the  Professor  of  higher  Mathematics ;  and 
Book-keeping  to  the  Professor  of  Phonography.  Such  is  a 
brief  summary  of  those  changes  already  made,  and  proven 
valuable. 

Of  late,  the  charges  that  the  inefficiency  of  the  school  was 
impaired  by  the  bad  condition  of  certain  departments,  had 
been  redoubled,  and  public  dissatisfaction  greatly  increased. 
Parents  complained  that  their  sons  wasted  their  youth  in  mere 
pretence  of  study,  and  pupils  were  removed  from  the  school, 
for  the  expressed  reason  that  they  derived  too  little  benefit 
from  its  teaching.  The  scholars  themselves  showed  in  their 
indifference  toward  some  of  their  studies,  and  their  industrious 
delight  in  others,  that  the  evil  was  the  fault  of  certain  of  the 
Professors.  The  committee  could  not  believe  these  evils  in- 
herent in  the  institution ;  they  resolved  to  use  all  legitimate 
means  to  remove  them.  Eor  this  purpose,  they  requested  of 
the  Principal  a  positive  statement  of  the  condition  of  the 
various  departments,  and  a  candid  exposition  of  what  he  be- 
lieved to  be  the  causes  of  its  inefficiency.  In  compliance  with 
this  request  the  Principal  prepared  the  following  report,  to 
which  the  earnest  attention  of  the  Board  is  respectfully 
asked : 


^§t\mi  iof  tilt  '^mui\ml 


To  THE  Committee  on  the  Central  High  School  : 

Gentlemen: — In  accordance  with  the  Resolution  of  the  Committee, 
passed  September  2ud,  1861,  I  beg  leave  respectfully  to  report : 

That  being  convinced  that  the  Central  High  School  possesses  elements 
of  usefulness  superior  to  those  of  any  similar  institution  in  the  country,  and 
that  it  has,  in  its  practical  instruction,  advantages  over  the  mere  College,  in 
■which  special  regard  is  had  to  the  learned  professions,  it  became  ray  earnest 
desire  to  increase  its  usefulness  to  the  utmost  extent  of  the  means  appro- 
priated. To  the  different  committees  such  changes  were  suggested  as  the 
spirit  of  the  age  demanded.  "While  from  the  nature  of  its  organization  it 
cannot  aim  at  the  objects  of  a  College,  yet  as  a  part  of  our  common  school 
system,  it  was  designed  to  complete  a  good  general  education  as  a  prepara- 
tion for  scientific,  literary,  commercial,  and  mechanical  pursuits.  But 
however  perfect  may  be  the  design  theoretically — practically  its  usefulness 
must  depend  upon  the  agents  selected  to  fulfil  these  purposes.  The  Pro- 
fessors are  appointed  for  presumed  thorough  acquaintance  with  a  particular 
branch,  and  ability  to  impart  their  knowledge.  But  there  are  other  im- 
portant elements  in  the  composition  of  the  good  teacher:  appreciation 
of  character,  tact  in  governing,  conscientiousness  that  devotes  him  to  his 
profession,  enthusiasm  that  urges  to  unceasing  exertion — these  qualities  he 
must  possess.  Examinations  may  test  his  literary  qualifications,  but  the 
recitation  room  must  be  the  criterion  of  his  real  power  as  a  teacher. 

Bearing  in  mind  these  positions,  it  becomes  my  duty  in  obedience  to  your 
request,  to  state  frankly  that  to  mature  your  views,  I  am  compelled  to  ask 
an  investigation  into  the    abilities   of  Professors,  rather   than   to   su2r":est 

O  /  CO 

changes  in  the  course  of  study.  With  the  Professor  of  Practical  Mathe- 
matics I  have  always  sustained  the  most  friendly  relations,  and  it  may 
appear  unkind  in  me  to  animadvert  upon  the  efficiency  of  one  who  has 
been  connected  with  the  school  since  its  organizaiion.  Yet,  from  the  nu- 
merous complaints  of  parents  and  pupils,  my  own  observation,  and  his 
frequent  appeals  for  aid  in  the  maintenance  of  order  in  his  class  room,  lam 
compelled  by  conscientious  regard  for  the  best  interests  of  the  school,  to  re- 
commend such  an  investigation  as  will  convince  the  Committee  of  the 
truth  of  the  charges,  and  lead  to  proper  action.  It  is  charged  that  the 
Professor  neglects  the  recitations  of  the  pupils,  and  yet  credits  with  merits 
and  demerits,  without  regard  to  the  lesson ;  that  the  mere  repetition  of 
jargon  is  credited  with  the  highest  averages  ;  that  the  discipline  of  his  de- 
partment is  notoriously  inefficient,  and  that  he  has  no  control  over  the 
students.     He  has  frequently  sent  for  me  to  visit  his  room,  and  then  reported 


the  insubordination  of  a  large  number  of  pupils — on  one  occasion  eighteen, 
on  another  twelve,  on  a  third,  nine.  I  have  several  times  suspended  pupils 
OD  his  complaint,  though  they  protested  their  innocence  of  the  charges. 
Immediately  after  the  summer  recess  the  glass  in  the  book-case  of  his  room 
was  repaired  j  within  a  month  a  large  number  of  panes  were  broken  by  stones 
thrown  by  pupils,  whom  the  Professor  was  unable  to  detect.  On  one  occa- 
sion, while  visiting  his  room,  he  showed  me  three  ink  wells  which  had  bee  i 
thrown  at  him  :  yet  he  could  not  identify  the  oflFenders,  nor  even  state  from 
what  part  of  the  room  they  had  been  thrown. 

In  order  to  assist  the  Professor,  I  introduced  Mensuration  into  his  depart- 
ment, using  the  work  upon  this  subject  of  which  he  is  the  author;  yet  the 
same  complaints  of  his  inattention  to  recitation  were  continued. 

Whatever  may  be  the  literary  qualifications  of  the  Professor  of  the 
French  Language,  he  has,  after  a  trial  of  three  years,  proved  to  be  utterly 
inefficient  in  discipline.  Instruction  in  his  department  is  a  failure.  Ap- 
peals from  his  injustice  were  so  well  sustained,  that  the  Faculty  frequently 
refused  to  sanction  his  complaints  in  special  offences.  He  punished  with- 
out discrimination,  filling  the  demerit  roll  with  charges  against  pupils  who, 
under  other  Professors,  were  most  exemplary  in  their  deportment.  I  have 
been  obliged  to  interfere  between  him  and  his  pupils  to  save  the  latter  from 
absolute  oppression.  Many  of  the  most  ambitious  have,  with  the  consent 
of  their  parents,  withdrawn  from  this  department.  His  examinations  were 
merely  pretences — the  pupils  being  aware  of  the  questions  beforehand.  To 
show  this  fact  more  clearly,  it  may  be  stated  that  the  editor  of  a  Weekly 
Paper  was  famished  by  a  pupil  with  a  list  of  questions,  some  weeks  before 
the  examination  in  July  last.  After  that  event  the  questions  actually  used 
were  found  identical  with  those  previously  made  known.  I  doubt  whether 
any  pupil  has  obtained  any  knowledge  from  the  instruction  of  this  gentle- 
man, or  that  any  class  could  pass  a  creditable  examination  in  this  branch. 
This  course  of  Professor  Gerard  is  another  proof  that  few  foreigners  adapt 
their  discipline  and  instruction  to  the  wants  of  American  pupils  in  large 
classes,  such  as  those  of  the  High  School. 

It  is  with  extreme  reluctance  that  I  refer  to  the  Professor  of  Anatomy 
and  Physiology,  and  Natural  History,  venerable  by  age,  extensive  acquire- 
ments, and  former  usefulness: — a  gentleman  whom  I  esteem,  and  regard 
with  affectionate  kindness,  and  whom  I  honor  for  his  virtues  and  abilities. 
Yet  respect  for  your  resolution  compels  the  opinion  that  I  deem  his  days  of 
usefulness  past.  The  infirmities  of  his  age  are  warnings  that  cannot  be 
mistaken,  and  should  certainly  prompt  a  retirement  from  the  active  duties 
of  his  chair.  Instruction  in  the  department  under  his  control  has  been 
limited  for  years,  from  sympathy  with  his  condition,  to  the  junior  classes, 
and  extends  over  a  period  of  but  one  year,  while  the  subject  he  teaches  de- 
serves thorough  development,  and  requires  matured  intellects  to  compre- 
hend it.  He  has  not  for  years  taken  any  part  in  the  general  discipline  of 
the  school. 


In  conclusion,  as  regards  general  rather  than  special  criticism,  there  is, 
I  consider,  too  much  mere  recitation,  and  too  little  instruction  in  some  of 
the  departments.  There  is  too  little  evolving  of  the  thinking  faculty,  de- 
velopment of  innate  energy  and  character.  A  question  to  each  pupil  who 
may  have  anticipated  it  in  his  preparation,  is  now  deemed  the  whole  duty 
of  the  teacher.  The  pupil  is  led  to  suppose  that  a  high  average,  not  last- 
ing information,  is  the  chief  en,d  of  study;  and  thus  impressed,  pupils  have 
complained  if  a  second  question,  unanswered,  is  made  to  affect  their  merits 
for  scholarship.  Duty  is  considered  performed  when  the  mere  routine  of 
question  and  answer  is  completed,  although  this  exercise  may  require  but  a 
fraction  of  an  hour.  It  affords  me  special  pleasure  to  speak  in  high  terms 
of  Professors  Rand,  Edward  W.  Vogdes,  Hopper,  and  Kirkpatrick,  and  of 
Messrs  Ring  and  Howard,  who  by  energetic  co-operation  prove  their  devo- 
tion to  the  best  interests  of  their  Alma  Mater. 

Respectfully, 

NICHOLAS  H.  MAGUIRE. 

October,  1861. 

Impressed  by  the  stern  facts  revealed  in  this  important  do- 
cument, the  committee  believed  it  to  be  their  highest  duty  to 
examine  the  condition  of  the  school  thoroughly,  and  to  report 
and  act  upon  their  conclusions  without  regard  to  mere  per- 
sonal interests.  This  was  to  them  a  painful  task  in  many  re- 
spects. They  found  the  school  in  a  state  not  creditable  to  the 
fair  fame  of  our  city.  Abstractly,  it  is  the  very  flower  and 
perfection  of  our  School  system,  but,  practically,  it  was  in- 
ferior in  some  departments  to  some  of  our  best  Grammar 
schools.  Several  of  the  branches  were  conducted  by  gentle- 
men palpably  unfitted  for  their  trusts.  The  Principal  of  the 
school  found  no  response  to  his  urgent  appeals  in  behalf  of 
more  liberal  instruction  and  general  reform,  and  the  commit- 
tee could  not  shut  their  eyes  to  the  fact  that  his  plans,  wise  in 
themselves,  were  indifferently  executed  by  those  to  whom  they 
were  committed.  That  spirit  of  energy  and  enthusiasm 
which  should  animate  the  entire  body,  seemed  sleeping  or 
dead.  Instead  of  it  they  found  indolence,  incapacity,  or  in- 
difference. The  elements  of  the  Faculty  were  discordant,  ne- 
cessarily so;  for  what  harmony  can  there  be  where  apathy, 
prejudice,  and  incompetency,  contend  with  the  love  of  order, 


8 

the  ambition  to  excel,  and  tlie  earnest  desire  to  impart  the 
highest  and  best  instruction.  The  school  cannot  fulfil  its  true 
destiny  while  the  Professors  impede  its  progress.  It  must  be 
conducted  by  those  "who  appreciate  its  usefulness.  It  must 
always  go  forward,  or  continually  recede. 

These  charges,  this  Report  of  the  Principal,  and  this  inves- 
tigation (resulting  in  the  obtaining  of  evidence  soon  to  be 
produced)  were  made  in  September  last,  and  it  was,  therefore, 
after  three  months  mature  deliberation  that  the  committee 
requested  three  of  the  Professors  to  resign.  These  gentlemen 
were  Messrs.  McMurtrie,  William  Yogdes  and  Gerard.  In  the 
mode  of  performing  this  unwelcome  duty,  the  committee  were 
governed  by  motives  of  sincere  delicacy.  They  were  desirous 
of  sparing  these  gentlemen  a  public  exposure  of  their  incapa- 
city, and  in  two  of  the  instances  this  desire  was  met  in  a 
proper  spirit.     Two  of  the  Professors  resigned  at  once. 

The  reasons  for  the  request  in  these  two  cases  may  be 
briefly  stated.  Professor  McMurtrie  has  himself  declared 
them  most  emphatically.  He  acknowledged  to  the  committee 
that  his  family  had  for  the  last  eighteen  months  urged  him 
importunately  to  resign,  and  that  the  committee  had  antici- 
pated his  intention  but  six  months.  As  he  affirms  in  his  note 
of  resignation,  "age  and  increasing  infirmities"  rendered  him 
unfit  for  his  position,  and  this  fact  formed  the  basis  of  the  ac- 
tion of  the  committee.  The  reason  for  asking  the  resignation 
of  Professor  Gerard,  were  the  numerous  , proofs  of  his  ineffi- 
ciency as  a  disciplinarian  and  instructor.  His  resignation  was 
promptly  received,  and  relieved  the  committee  from  the  neces- 
sity of  producing  formal  evidence.  Professor  William  Yogdes 
having  refused  to  resign,  the  committee  were  forced  to  collect 
evidence,  which  will  be  produced  in  the  proper  place. 

The  right  of  the  committee  to  request  these  gentlemen  to 
resign  has  been  questioned.  A  little  reflection  will  convince 
those  who  question  it  that  the  right  has  always  existed,  has 
been  frequently  confirmed  by  the  assent  of  the  Board,  and 
has  never  before  been  doubted.  John  Frost,  Esq.,  at  one  time 
Professor  in  the  school,  was  requested  by  the  Committee  on 
the  High  School,  then  in  office,  to  resign  his  position.     With 


9 

this  request  he  at  once  complie'd.  Professors  Oliver  A. 
Shaw  and  M.  H.  Boye,  resigned  in  the  same  way.  Let 
it  be  borne  in  mind  that  these  gentlemen  resigned  di- 
rectly to  the  committee.  Professor  John  S.  Hart,  who  was 
not  asked  to  resign  by  any  one,  addressed  of  his  own  free  will 
his  resignation  to  the  committee.  By  the  committee  it  was 
accepted,  and  no  further  action  was  necessary  to  legalize  it. 
These  facts  are  arguments.  They  prove  that  the  right  of  the 
High  School  Committee  to  request  and  accept  resignations  has 
always  been  recognized  by  the  Board  of  Control.  That  the 
objection  to  these  forcible  precedents  is  confined  to  a  few 
voices,  is  honorable  to  the  Board. 

The  refusal  of  Professor  William  Vogdes  to  resign  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  committee,  now  obliges  them  to  place  before  the 
Board  the  plain  proofs  that  his  removal  is  necessary.  In  the 
course  of  the  testimony,  facts  will  appear  which  not  only  apply 
to  Professor  Vogdes,  but  to  other  Professors  of  the  school.'*'  All 
of  this  testimony,  and  much  more  which  the  committee  have 
not  the  time  to  produce,  was  received  orally  at  various  times. 
It  was  upon  it  they  acted  from  the  first.  Let  the  Board  listen 
to  the  evidence.  It  is  all  the  committee  ask,  for  they  are 
sure  of  the  result.  These  important  declarations  are  made  by 
gentlemen  whose  ability  to  judge  cannot  be  doubted.  They 
are  the  justification  of  the  Committee's  conscientious  action, 
and  the  irrefutable  proof  of  Professor  Vogdes'  incapacity. 

Thomas  May  Pierce  : — I  am  a  graduate  of  the  school ;  in  regard 
to  the  discipline  in  Professor  Vogdes'  department  it  was  quite  loose  j  I  do 
not  think  he  made  serious  efforts  to  instruct  us ;  I  did  not  learn  much  while 
there ;  since  leaving  the  school  I  have  found  it  necessary  to  take  up 
Geometry  as  a  new  study ;  this  subject  should  have  been  taught  by  Pro- 
fessor Vogdes  ;  I  think  that  many  persons  may  be  found  who  would  make 
that  department  more  efficient  than  it  now  is  ;  whilst  a  pupil  of  the  institu, 
tion  I  was  anxious  to  receive  meritorious  marks,  and  was  thereby  studious, 
to  an  extent  which  I  thought  would  secure  me  the  position  of  No.  1  of  my 
class  5  governed  by  such  a  feeling,  I  paid  very  little  attention  to  the  studies 
of  Professor  Vogdes  5  I  expected  the  highest  marks  from  him  without  much 
study,  and  usually  received  them. 

*For  instance,  the  letter  of  George  Davidson,  Esq.,  referring  to  the  wretched  condition  of  the 
Astronomical  Instruments. 


10 

Charles  Bowman: — I  am  a  graduate  of  the  Central  High  School; 
I  graduated  in  1842  or  '3  ;  I  consider  the  method  of  Professor  Vogdes 
teaching  was  not  as  full  or  as  explicit  as  it  should  have  been  ;  frequently 
when  boys  were  wanting  explanations  they  were  referred  to  pupils  of  the 
class ;  I  think  a  younger  and  more  vigorous  man  would  better  subserve  the 
interest  of  the  institution. 

John  D.  Stockton  : — As  a  pupil  for  some  time  in  the  High  School, 
ten  or  twelve  years  ago,  and  therefore  familiar  with  the  mode  of  discipline 
in  the  various  departments,  I  can  express  an  honest,  and  I  think  a  correct, 
opinion  of  its  management.  I  am  especially  requested  to  declare  what  I 
remember  of  Mr.  Vogdes'  tuition.  Personally  Mr.  Vogdes  made  himself 
agreeable  to  his  pupils,  and  was  certainly  more  esteemed  for  his  kindness  as 
a  man  than  for  his  ability  as  a  teacher.  At  the  time  of  which  I  write,  his 
class-room  was  considered  almost  as  a  play  ground  ;  order  was  not  enforced, 
and  the  degree  to  which  it  was  preserved  was  left  chiefly  to  the  self-respect 
of  the  scholars.  Little  care  was  taken  by  the  teacher  to  inspire  the  scholars 
with  a  true  love  for  study ;  in  justice  to  Mr.  Vogdes,  I  must  affirm  that  if 
any  scholar  was  anxious  to  study,  his  desire  was  encouraged,  but  those  who 
preferred  idleness  and  ease  were  left  unrebuked.  It  was  common  for  the 
scholars  to  impose  upon  their  teacher  in  the  most  bold  and  shameless 
manner.  Recitation  was  either  a  pretence  or  an  open  farce ;  explanation 
of  problems  upon  the  black-board  was  seldom  listened  to  by  the  Professor, 
and  as  proof  of  this  I  may  state,  that  it  was  considered  a  good  joke  for 
the  boys  to  repeat  the  alphabet  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  assume  it  to  be 
our  arithmetical  analysis.  This  joke  was  by  Mr.  Vogdes  never  rebuked,  in 
my  recollection,  though  he  must  certainly  have  been  aware  of  it.  Permit 
me  to  say,  in  conclusion,  that  I  make  this  declaration  purely  from  a  love  of 
truth,  and  that  for  Mr.  Vogdes,  independently  of  his  unfaithfulness  as  a 
teacher,  I  have  always  entertained  kindly  feelings. 

Samuel  McCutcheon  : — I  graduated  at  the  High  School  in  1842; 
Professor  Vogdes'  discipline  was  very  lax  ;  we  considered  it  to  be  a  good 
lark  to  get  into  his  class-room  ;  I  was  not  so  good  a  mathematician  when  I 
left  the  school  as  when  I  entered  it ;  I  think  Professor  Vogdes  a  very  esti- 
mable gentleman,  and  esteem  him  very  highly  as  a  man ;  I  have  thought 
for  several  years  that  his  resignation  would  be  an  advantage  to  the  institu- 
tion. 

C.  U.  ScHLATER : — I  graduated  at  the  High  School  in  1845  ;  I  have  the 
highest  regard  for  Professor  Vogdes  as  a  man,  but  his  discipline  was  loose  ; 
and  I  am  not  conscious  of  having  learned  anything  in  his  department ;  the 
pupils  considered  the  hour  in  his  room,  more  an  hour  of  relaxation  than  of 
study;  from  my  knowledge  as  a  graduate,  and  my  experience  since,  that  time 
with  the  Alumni  and  with  parents  having  children  in  that  school,  I  am  of  the 
opinion  that  the  resignation  of  Professor  Vogdes  would  be  a  benefit  to  the 
interests  of  the  institution. 


11 

Edward  Gideon  : — I  graduated  at  the  High  School  in  1848;  in  dis- 
cipline Professor  Vogdes  was  loose  ;  from  what  I  learn  from  pupils  which  I 
have  sent  to  the  school  within  the  last  two  or  three  years,  I  think  his  disci- 
pline is  worse  than  when  I  was  a  pupil ;  I  cannot  boast  of  the  Mathemati- 
cal knowledge  I  received  while  in  his  department ;  Professor  Vogdes  did  not 
explain  the  problems  to  the  boys,  leaving  them  entirely  to  their  own  deduc- 
tions 5  he  would  give  out  a  lesson  one  day,  and  hear  it  the  next  without 
giving  any  explanation  on  the  black-board  ;  I  do  not  regard  Prof.  Vogdes 
an  efficient  teacher  ;  I  think  a  change  in  this  department  would  be  an  ad- 
vantage to  the  institution ;  I  give  this  opinion,  based  upon  my  experience 
as  a  teacher,  as  a  pupil,  and  from  intercourse  with  the  Alumni  and  others. 

Jarvis  Slade  : — I  had  a  son  in  the  High  School  in  18G0,  he  was  a 
pupil  of  that  school  but  one  year  ;  I  took  him  away  from  the  school  in  con- 
sequence of  the  bad  discipline  in  three  of  the  departments,  namely :  Pro- 
fessors Vogdes,  Gerard,  and  MacNeil ;  the  disorder  consisted  of  whistling, 
singing,  &c.,  the  boys  instead  of  the  Professor  seeming  to  have  command ; 
this  statement  of  my  son  was  confirmed  by  several  of  his  classmates ;  I 
have  never  seen  either  of  the  gentlemen  named,  therefore  I  speak  without 
prejudice ;  I  have  a  deep  interest  in  the  success  of  the  school,  as  I  have  two 
sons  I  would  like  to  enter  the  school,  but  cannot  permit  them  to  do  so  while 
the  present  state  of  things  exist  there. 

James  H.  Eldredge  : — I  graduated  at  the  High  School  in  1851;  I 
am  now  the  Principal  teacher  of  the  Hancock  School.  The  discipline  in 
Professor  Vogdes'  department  was  loose  ;  not  such  as  would  be  tolerated  in 
a  properly  governed  Grammar  School ;  the  boys  were  permitted  to  do  pretty 
much  as  they  pleased ;  after  I  left  the  school  I  knew  nothing  of  what  was 
professed  to  be  taught  in  that  department ;  since  leaving  the  High  School 
I  have  attended  College,  and  was  obliged  to  review  the  studies  neglected  in 
that  department  of  the  school ;  the  study  in  that  department  was  a  perfect 
farce  ;  I  think  the  institution  would  be  benefitted  by  his  resignation  ;  I  have 
had  a  number  of  boys  who  state  that  they  learn  nothing  in  Prof.  Vogdes 
department,  and  have  had  several  applications  by  pupils  of  that  school  for 
permission  to  attend  my  school  in  the  afternoon  in  order  to  review  Mensura- 
tion, one  of  the  studies  pretended  to  be  taught  in  that  department  |  I  en- 
tertain the  highest  regard  for  Professor  Vogdes  as  a  gentleman,  and  have 
always  spoken  of  him  in  the  highest  terms  ;  have  never  had  cause  to  speak 
other  than  in  terms  of  commendation  of  him  as  a  man. 

George  P.  Eldredgie  : — I  think  highly  of  Professor  Vogdes  as  a 
man;  I  was  a  pupil  of  the  High  School  in  1850,  having  been  there  some 
time.  In  discipline,  Professor  Vogdes,  in  my  opinion,  signally  failed;  after 
pursuing  a  course  of  Geometry  with  him  I  was  obliged  to  commence  the  ru- 
diments again  ;  he  failed  to  impart  a  knowledge  of  his  branches  ;  I  consider 
that  the  resignation  of  Professor  Vogdes  would  be  an  advantage  to  the  insti- 


12 

tution,  as  lie  is  inefficient  as  a  teacher  and  a  disciplinarian  |  said  conviction 
arising  not  only  from  my  own  experience,  but  from  the  testimony  of  others. 

Edward  J.  Brodie  : — I  entered  the  High  School  in  1841,  graduated 
in  1844;  I  entertain  the  highest  respect  for  Mr.  Vogdes  as  a  man,  but  feel 
constrained  to  say  that  the  instruction  imparted  by  him  was  not  commensu- 
rate with  the  time  occupied.  Mr.  Vogdes'  room  was  looked  upon  by  all  the 
pupils  as  a  "  pleasant  resort,"  in  which  the  strictness  of  the  other  Profes- 
sors was  not  observed.  From  my  experience  as  a  teacher  I  have  no  hesita- 
tion in  saying  that  the  institution  would  be  benefitted  by  the  removal  of 
Professor  Vogdes. 

William  Stephens  : — I  am  a  graduate  of  the  High  School ;  I  gra- 
duated in  1845  ;  I  have  a  very  high  opinion  of  Professor  Vogdes  as  a  man  ; 
I  know  of  no  objection  to  the  discipline  in  his  department ;  during  my  at- 
tendance at  the  school  I  did  not  think  the  teaching  was  as  thorough  and 
energetic  as  it  might  have  been.  From  my  knowledge  as  a  teacher,  and 
my  intercourse  with  pupils  of  that  institution,  my  opinion  is  that  that  de- 
partment might  be  much  better  filled,  for  the  benefit  of  the  pupils,  than  it 
now  is. 

Dr.  B.  Howard  Rand,  Professor  of  Chemistry. 

It  is  generally  known  that  Professor  Vogdes  is  unfit  for  the  position,  and 
members  of  the  Alumni  can  testify  to  the  fact.  Pupils  of  the  school 
coming  to  my  department  are  deficient  in  the  branches  taught  by  Professor 
Vogdes. 

December  24,  1861.  B.  HOWARD  RAND. 

D.  W.  Howard,  Assistant  Processor  of  Belles  Letters  and  History. 

Of  the  discipline,  I  can  only  speak  of  Professor  Vogdes  when  I  was  a 
pupil.  Of  the  instruction  given  by  him  I  consider  it  almost  worthless.  I 
thought  the  discipline  was  fair.  Graduated  in  1849.  It  was  the  practice  of 
the  boys  to  study  their  lessons  from  the  books  in  the  room,  and  go  to  the 
black-board  and  put  them  on  it  directly  from  the  book.  I  think  that  the  re- 
signation of  Professor  Vogdes  will  be  of  advantage  to  the  institution. 

December  24,  1861.  D.  W.  HOWARD. 

James  A.  Kirkpatrick,  Professor  of  Civil  Engineering, 

Personally  I  know  nothing  of  the  discipline  in  Professor  Vogdes'  room. 
I  think  it  would  be  to  the  advantage  of  the  institution  if  Professor  Vogdes 
would  resign. 

Z.  Hopper,  Professor  of  Mathematics. 

Professor  Vogdes'  discipline  might  have  been  much  better.  I  believe  that 
his  place  could  be  filled  by  others  to  the  advantage  of  the  institution. 

December  24,  1861.  Z.  HOPPER. 

H.  Haverstick,  Professor  of  Latin. 

Personally  I  know  nothing  of  the  discipline  of  Professor  Vogdes'  room. 
I  think,  from  my  knowledge  of  Professor  Vogdes,  that  his  position  could 
be  filled  with  a  more  competent  person. 

H.  HAVERSTICK. 

December  2i,  1861. 


13 

J.  Gr.  H.  Ring,  Jr.,  Assistant  Professor. 

While  I  was  a  pupil  of  the  school  the  discipline  in  Professor  Vogdes' 
room  was  not  what  it  should  be ;  I  was  not  taught  as  much,  or  as  well  as  I 
might  have  been  with  a  more  efficient  instructor  ;  graduated  July,  1856. 

December  24,  1861.  JACOB  G.  H.  RING,  Jr. 

A.  J.  Macneili.,  Professor  of  Draioing,  Writing,  and  Book-keeping. 

In  relation  to  the  instruction  given  me  by  Professor  Vogdes  I  have  no 
remembrance ;  in  relation  to  the  discipline  1  have  no  recollection  ;  gradu- 
ated in  1848;  I  don't  think  Professor  Vogdes  was  very  strict;  I  speak 
generally  on  the  subject ;  he  would  be  ready  to  favor  the  pupils  in  marking 
their  lessons — what  I  did  learn  in  that  department  was  through  my  own 
perserverance  and  industry  ;  the  only  opportunity  I  have  of  observing  the 
discipline  of  Professor  Vogdes'  class  is  in  the  hall  of  the  school  at  dismis- 
sion ;  the  discipline  was  not  good. 

December  24,  1861.  A.  J.  MACNEILL 

Albert  E.  Lancaster,  Assistant  to  Professor  Angela. 

1  graduated  in  February,  1859  ;  the  discipline  of  Professor  Vogdes'  room 
was  bad  ;  the  instruction  was  not  thorough,  on  account  of  the  discipline  and 
neglisrence  ;  I  do  not  think  that  of  late  years  he  has  been  competent  to  im- 
part instruction  to  the  classes  ;  I  think  it  would  be  to  the  advantage  of  the 
institution  if  Professor  Vogdes  would  resign. 

December  24,  1861.  A.  E.  LANCASTER. 

James  McClune,  Professor  of  Theoretical  Mathematics  and  Astronomy. 

With  all  due  deference  to  the  Committee,  I  think  it  would  be  injurious  to 
the  harmony  of  the  institution,  and  I  therefore  decline  to  answer  any  ques- 
tions in  relation  to  the  discipline  and  instruction  of  any  of  the  Professors. 

December  24,  1861.  JAMES  M'CLUNE. 

James  Rhoads,  Professor  of  Belles  Lettres  and  History. 

I  know  nothing  of  the  discipline  of  Professor  Vogdes'  room ;  I  never  was 
in  his  room  when  he  had  a  class  there  ;  I  know  nothing  about  the  instruc- 
tion ;    I  have  no  opportunity  to  know. 

December  24,  1861.  JAS.  RHOADS. 

E.  W.  Vogdes,  Professor  of  Moral,  Mental  and  Political  Science. 

On  account  of  the  relationship  of  the  Professor  of  Mathematics,  I  would 
most  respectfully  decline  answering  the  questions  propounded  by  the  Chair- 
man of  the  High  School  Committee.  The  committee  have  ample  opportu- 
nities to  obtain  evidence  from  other  sources  in  relation  to  this  matter. 

December  24, 1861.  EDWARD  W.  VOGDES. 

Germantown,   Pa.,  December  18th,  186L 
Thomas  G.  Hollingsworth,  Esq.,  Chairman  on  nigh  School  Committee : 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  invitation  of  the  Committee  on  the 
High  School  ''to  visit  the  Observatory  of  the  High  School,  and  report  upon 
the  condition  of  the  instruments." 

I  visited  the  Observatory  December  16th,  made  an  examination,  and  beg 
to  report : 

First. — That  all  the  instruments  are  in  a  very  dirty  and  neglected  condi- 
tion ;  being  covered  with  dust  and   cobwebs,  and  apparently  very  rarely 


14 

used.  Where  so  mueli  negligence  is  displayed  it  is  almost  needless,  as  it  is 
hopeless,  to  specify  every  defect.  I  therefore  shall  notice  only  the  more 
glaring  ones. 

Second. — That  the  Meridian  Circle  is  not  in  a  condition  to  yield  accurate 
results. 

The  eye  piece  has  been  removed,  and  the  tube  left  open  for  the  admis- 
sion of  dust  and  insects ;  and  the  perforation  in  the  illuminated  end  of  the 
transit  axis  is  also  open  for  the  same  purpose.  Upon  portions  of  the  steel 
pivots  of  the  transit  axis  there  is  a  thick  coating  of  dust  and  oil  that  must 
grind  them  away.  From  their  appearance  it  is  evident  that  the  instru- 
ment has  been,  at  some  time,  used,  or  turned  in  its  Y's,  with  the  pivots  in  a 
similarly  dirty  condition,  and  that  unequal  wearing  has  been  the  conse- 
quence. But  the  worst  condition  is  the  extensive  oxidation  of  the  pivots : 
this  must  effectually  destroy  the  value  of  the  instrument  for  all  astronomi- 
cal work.  It  is  more  than  probable  that  the  pivots  will  have  to  be  turned 
anew,  before  any  reliance  can  be  reposed  in  the  results  of  observations  de- 
rived from  it.  The  graduated  circles  are  so  badly  oxidized  that  they  can- 
not be  read.  Whether  there  be  more  serious  defects,  and  whether  the  in- 
strument be  in  adjustment,  can  only  be  determined  by  a  series  of  observa- 
tions and  experiments,  after  a  thorough  overhauling.  In  its  present  state  it 
cannot  be  used  without  causing  greater  injury. 

Third. — That  the  Equatorial  is  not  in  a  condition  to  yield  accurate  re- 
sults. 

All  the  steel  parts  and  circles  are  badly  oxidized,  and  the  clock  work  is 
out  of  order.  The  eye  piece  has  been  removed,  and  the  tube  left  open  for 
the  admission  of  dust  and  insects.  The  fine  object  glass  is  exposed  so  that 
dust  must  accumulate  upon  it,  and  great  danger  to  the  lens  be  incurred  in 
removing  the  dust.  Any  damage  of  this  kind  that  is  done  can  not  be  re- 
medied. 

Whether  there  be  more  serious  defects,  and  whether  the  instrument  be  in 
adjustment,  can  only  be  determined  by  a  series  of  observations  and  experi- 
ments, after  a  careful  and  thorough  overhauling.  In  its  present  state  it  can- 
not be  used  without  causing  greater  injury. 

The  discreditable  state  of  these  splendid  instruments  has  evidently  arisen 
from  the  grossest  carelessness,  and  they  are  in  a  sure  way  of  being  ruined, 
if  not  so  already. 

Fourth. — The  Barometer  has  air  bubbles  plainly  visible  between  the 
mercury  and  the  tube;  therefore  accurate  results  cannot  be  obtained  from 
it. 

Fifth. — The  Astronomical  Clock,  being  locked  I  could  not  examine  the 
interior. 

Its  rate  and  error  cannot  accurately  be  determined  by  the  meridian 
circle,  and  there  exists  the  greatest  risk  of  its  being  permanently  injured  if 
an  unqualified  person  be  permitted  to  wind  it. 

Its  actual  fitness  for  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  intended,  can  only  be 
known  by  correct  observations  with  the  Meridian  Circle  when  in  good  order 
and  adjustment. 

I  have  made  this  report  upon  the  apparent  condition  of  the  instruments, 
as  your  invitation  did  not  seem  to  call  for  observations  and  experiments  to 
determine  their  actual  working  order. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  yours, 

GEORGE  DAVIDSON. 

This  testimony  is  complete.     Yet  hud  time  permitted,  it 

might  have  been  multiplied  almost  indefinitely.      As  it  is, 

twelve  gentlemen,   holding  honorable  positions,  graduates  of 

the  High  School,  affirm  directly,  that  from  their  own  experi- 


15 

ence  as  pupils,  they  know  Mr.  Vogdes'  incapacity  as  a  teacher. 
These  written  affirmations  have  been  confirmed,  orally,  by  a 
respectable  number  of  the  Alumni.  Upon  these  grounds 
alone,  the  Committee's  action  might  stand.  But  proof  is  here 
given,  if  possible,  even  more  convincing : — eight  of  Mr. 
Vogdes'  brother  Professors,  in  the  same  school,  believed  it  to 
be  their  duty  to  declare  his  unfitness  for  his  position,  and  the 
remaining  three  declined  expressing  an  opinion.  The  Prin- 
cipal of  the  school  endorses  these  declarations.  When  pupils 
and  Professors,  viewing  the  subject  from  such  widely  different 
positions,  agree  in  their  assertions,  how  palpable  must  have 
been  Mr.  Vogdes'  incompetency. 

Analysis  of  the  accusations  is  unnecessary.  The  testimony 
consists,  however,  of  direct  assertions :  Firstly ^  that  Mr. 
Vogdes  has  for  ten  or  twelve  years,  held  a  position  in  the  High 
School  without  possessing  the  respect  of  his  pupils,  and  abso- 
lutely destitute  of  the  power  to  control  them :  Secondly,  that 
he  was  indifferent  to  the  intellectual  improvement  of  his 
scholars,  and  neglected  the  course  of  study :  Thirdly,  that 
either  from  indolence,  for  the  sake  of  ease  in  his  own  position, 
or  from  a  culpable  indulgence  of  the  idleness  of  pupils,  he 
concealed  the  condition  of  his  classes  from  the  proper  authoi^i- 
ties,  and  made  incorrect  reports  of  their  merits  and  demerits : 
Fourthly,  that  his  resignation  would  be  an  advantage  to  the 
High  School. 

With  these  remarks  the  case  of  Mr.  Vogdes  may  be  submit- 
ted to  the  Board.  The  Committee  regret  that  the  pain  of 
unfolding  it  so  fully  was  forced  upon  them,  by  Mr.  Vogdes 
himself. 

The  High  School  was  instituted  for  the  good  of  the  public, 
not  for  the  pecuniary  benefit  of  single  persons :  it  was  made 
for  the  scholars,  and  not  for  the  teachers.  Thus  believing, 
the  Committee  could  not  accept  the  argument,  that  long  service 
was  an  excuse  for  incompetency.  The  moment  a  Professor  is 
found  unequal  to  his  task,  that  moment  they  believed  his 
resignation  essential  to  his  self-respect. 

An  earnest  wish  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  school  was 
the  only  motive  of  their  action.     With  the  general  plan  of  the 


16 

institution  they  are  well  satisfied,  under  the  conscientious  and 
intelligent  management  of  Professor  Maguire  it  must  continue 
to  improve,  if  his  efforts  are  properly  supported.  With  the 
system  itself,  they  have  no  fault  to  find,  no  improvement  to 
suggest.  But  with  regard  to  certain  departments,  hitherto 
controlled  by  incompetent  persons,  they  declare  their  solemn 
and  profound  conviction,  that  changes  were  necessary,  and 
that  their  action  was  unprejudiced,  legal,  and  absolutely 
unavoidable. 

The  Committee  having  received  from  Professor  Maguire  the 
following  communication,  in  reply  to  those  of  Messrs.  Vogdes 
and  Gerard,  would  respectfully  state  that  it  is  their  intention 
to  make  the  rigid  examinationhe  requests : — 
Thos.  G.  HoLLiNGSWoRTH,  EsQ.,  Chairman  of  Committee  on  High  School. 

Dear  Sir  : — 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Controllers  of  Public  Schools,  December 
31st,  1861,  communications  from  Professors  Vogdes  and  Gerard,  involving 
serious  charges  against  me  as  Principal  of  the  Central  High  School,  rather 
than  defences  of  their  own  conduct,  were  received  ;  I  respectfully  request  an 
investigation  by  the  Committee  into  my  official  acts  during  my  connexion 
with  the  institution. 

Respectfully, 
Januarij  1st,  1862.  NICHOLAS  H.  MAGUIRE. 

Finally,  the  Committee  beg  leave  to  offer  the  following 
resolution : 

Resolved^  That  the  services  of  William  Vogdes,  Professor  of 
Practical  Mathematics  in  the  Central  High  School,  be,  and 
the  same  are,  hereby  dispensed  with. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted, 

T.  G.  HOLLINGSWORTH, 
THOMAS  FITZGERALD, 
LEWIS  BITTING, 
THOMAS  WOOD, 
THOS.  W.  MARCHMENT, 

January  2d,  1862.  Committee  on  Central  High  School. 

Oa  the  adoption  of  the  Report  and  Resolution  attaclied,  the  Yeas  and  Nays 
were  as  follows  : 

Yeas— Lewis  Bitting.  Thomas  Fitzgerald,  Wm.  H.  Plitcraft,  Thomas  G.  Hollings- 
worth,  John  Holland,  Isaac  Leech,  Edwin  McCalla,  Thomas  W.  Marchment,  Wm. 
J.  Reed,  Geo.  W.  Stull,  Fred.  Vandegrift,  Thomas  Wood,  Chas.  A.  Yeager,  B.  M. 
Dusenbery,  President. 

Nays — Wm.  J.  Crans,  L.  R.  Fletcher,  James  Freeborn,  John  Moflfet,  G.  J.  Riche, 
John  Rittenhouse,  G.  W.  Vaughan,  C.  Welsh,  C.  W.  Zimmerman. 

The  Yeas  were  fourteen,  the  Nays  nine.  The  Report  and  Resolution  were 
adopted. 


